January 21, 2011

No Contention

We live in a very competitive society that encourages contention. We should instead seek not to contend. The Tao seeks contention with no one. Verse 8 of the Tao Te Ching states:

--A perfect human being is like the water that benefits all things and competes with nothing--

We should do our best and then rest, letting the arrow have true flight to its target. The feeling of contention only brings unrest to the mind. We know that where there is no contention, there is neither victory or defeat. There can be no room for boasting or shame. If we do our best, all things will take care of themselves. All water will find its level.

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Tao Te Ching 14

It is unseen because it is colorless; it is unheard because it is soundless; when seeking to grasp it, it eludes one, because it is incorporeal.

Because of these qualities it cannot be examined, and yet they form an essential unity. Superficially it appears abstruse, but in its depths it is not obscure. It has been nameless forever! It appears and then disappears. It is what is known as the form of the formless, the image of the imageless. It is called the transcendental, its face (or destiny) cannot be seen in front, or its back (or origin) behind.

But by holding fast to the Tao of the ancients, the wise man may understand the present, because he knows the origin of the past. This is the clue to the Tao.

Roshi Hogan Biography

When Roshi Hogan was young, there was who the neighbors called "a strange old man" who lived across the alley from him. This 'strange old man' was a former student of a Dao master in China. Becoming friends, Roshi Hogan had the wonderful opportunity to learn about the Tao from him. Such was the beginning of his practice. Roshi Hogan now passes these ancient teachings on to you. He has also had the honor of lecturing nationally, as well as internationally. Roshi Hogan is also an acclaimed artist who has exhibited at many group showings and has held solo exhibitions as well. He also enjoys writing poetry and essays and has had many articles published. His latest endeavor is digital art and photography.